Access Funding
Statement of Intent
The Hoofer Ambassadors Access Fund is intended to promote diversity and accessibility by decreasing financial barriers to the outdoors. We recognize that certain groups and identities have been historically underrepresented in the outdoors, and this fund is an effort to change that narrative. It intends to foster inclusivity and provide individuals with new experiences through the six Hoofer Clubs: Mountaineering, Outing, Riding, Sailing, Scuba, and Ski & Snowboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible?
Everybody looking to be/already in Hoofers. We are specifically hoping to foster new experiences and inclusivity for individuals with financial barriers.
How do these funds work?
Scholarships can be implemented as a discount that will be applied to your trip purchase or as a refund if you purchase the trip or membership before the scholarship is approved.
I am a community member, can I still apply?
Yes! Please note priority will be given to students.
Additionally, in order to join Hoofers, you must be a Wisconsin Union Member. Students are automatically Union Members. Community members can purchase and learn about a Wisconsin Union membership here. Access Funds can not be applied towards Union Memberships.
How far in advance do I need to apply?
Membership requests: will be evaluated within 20 business days.
Trip requests: please apply 10 business days before the trip sign up. Certain trips like spring break trips will require an earlier application. Please contact HAfinance@hoofers.org for more information. Applications can be submitted closer to the trip than that, but may not be approved before trip sign-up.
Lesson requests: please apply 10 business days before the trip signup/payment is due. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis.
Is there a limit to how much I can ask for?
Ask for as much as you need. We reserve the right to reward a certain percentage of the amount applied for. This means you may receive the entire amount you applied for, or a smaller stipend.
I already received money from Hoofer Ambassadors or from a Hoofers club, am I eligible to apply again?
Yes! Please note that this fund has the goal of providing new experiences for individuals.
Can I apply for more than one category at a time? (Ex: I need a membership, but also need money for the trip I want to go on.)
Yes! Apply for what you need.
Can I apply for multiple clubs? (Ex: I want to go on both a mountaineering lesson, and an outing weekend backpack trip)
Yes! You just need to list each that you are hoping to receive within the application (by checking the boxes) and provide the requested information for each one.
Do I need to submit FAFSA information?
No! The application will consider financial need, but FAFSA is not required.
Is there anything I will need to do after receiving funds?
Have fun! And we hope to see you around in Hoofers more in the future!
I have a question not covered on this page, who should I ask?
Feel free to contact HAfinance@hoofers.org!